The art of staying safe, through the treatment but above all the *prevention* of injury and disease.
7
votes
2answers
102 views
Logs & Rocks - Step on or over?
Growing up we were always taught to never step straight over a rock or log because it is a good way to step on or startle a snake that you cannot see. However, on a lot of hiking forums I see it ...
7
votes
2answers
310 views
What are the advantages / disadvantages of a rock climbing hat made from hard plastic to one made out of carbon fiber?
What are the advantages / disadvantages of a rock climbing hat made from hard plastic to one made out of carbon fibre?
I have done a Google search already, but wanted some pointers with people who ...
7
votes
2answers
211 views
What style crampon should I use for my hiking boots and how do I adjust them?
I've been using microspikes on my hiking boots and find that they aren't up to the challenge of hiking up snowy peaks. I use snowshoes but find some mountains would be better served by crampons and ...
7
votes
1answer
41 views
Sailing with a child
Inspired by this question on taking an infant sailing, as it is quite different when they can move, I thought I'd ask the same question in respect of a toddler or child.
What essential safety ...
7
votes
0answers
123 views
Is backcountry hiking in northwestern Russia safe?
Is it safe to go backcountry hiking in the Tundra's of northwestern Russia, e.g. the Kola peninsula, such as the Khibin mountains? There is some heavy industry around there; can one safely go around, ...
6
votes
2answers
148 views
How to be safe on lake and river ice and what should I do when I fall through?
It's late October and in cold, northern hemisphere climates, winter has arrived, and moderate northern hemisphere climates will follow soon. In my area, small lakes are already frozen and people have ...
6
votes
1answer
147 views
Is it safe to use a motorcycle helmet instead of a skiing helmet for skiing?
I have a perfectly good motorcycle helmet (one that encompasses the whole head, including the chin) that I never use (I bought it for lessons, but never bought a motorcycle). However, I do not have a ...
6
votes
2answers
139 views
What are the most important indicators of an high-risk avalanche zone?
If I'm heading out ski touring into an area I haven't been, what are the most important things to look for and think about to avoid high-risk areas for avalanches?
6
votes
1answer
68 views
Toproping with two ropes joined by a double fisherman's
The other day we were waiting in line for a popular 200 foot single pitch climb in the valley and the party in front of us was using two 70 meter ropes they had joined together with a double ...
6
votes
2answers
158 views
Can I mix fuels when using the MSR whisperlite international stove?
I have an MSR whisperlite international stove. Can I mix fuels when both require the same jet?
Background: When backpacking I often just carry one fuel bottle, filled with white gas. On my last trip ...
5
votes
3answers
215 views
How safe is the bowline knot in different situations?
The bowline knot (picture below, source) has a great reputation as a very safe knot. Is it really completely safe in all situations and loads, or are there use cases where it may fail?
5
votes
4answers
129 views
What's the problem with electrolyte imbalance and how do I mitigate it?
In the past week I've seen two answers mentioning electrolytes; one about the grand canyon and one in an answer on a question that was actually about wildlife, but where other desert dangers were ...
5
votes
2answers
80 views
If an autoblock inteferes with a belay device will a fireman belay have any effect?
When rappeling I understand the need for a backup--whether an autoblock below the belay device, or a second person providing a fireman belay. My understanding is that using an autoblock incorrectly ...
5
votes
2answers
127 views
How do I identify dangerous, marshy land?
At a casual look, grass with a bit of surface water on it can look very similar to a potentially deadly marsh, and in many rural places there can be lots of both after it's been raining! In dry ...
5
votes
2answers
375 views
What are the options for kayak self-rescue without a paddle float?
In a standard kayaking class, you're taught solo self-rescues using a paddle float and assisted rescues using another kayak. Then there are eskimo rolls. But I've also heard about other self-rescue ...
5
votes
2answers
185 views
Is it safe to drink out of rusty thermos?
I've got a thermos for coffee and/or water storage that I use on hikes and for bike touring since it keeps things hot for hours. However, it seems like the inside is rusting a bit.
Is this safe to ...
5
votes
2answers
95 views
How to choose a class of rapids for a variety of skill levels?
I've been whitewater rafting (and inadvertent whitewater canoeing ;) a couple times, and I'd like to get a bunch of friends together to go with me. I'd bring enough people to fill a raft (5 or 6), but ...
5
votes
1answer
124 views
Does camping in polar bear country require someone to keep guard during the night?
Some animals are big and dangerous and, when hungry, may realise that humans contain a pretty decent amount of meat. I've never hiked in such areas, but they do exist.
Photo from Wikipedia, ...
5
votes
1answer
132 views
Bear spray vs. rifles against polar bears?
In Svalbard, the arctic archipelago administrated by Norway, anyone leaving Longyearbyen is required to carry a rifle for their own safey. For grizzly bears, Wikivoyage recommends that Bear repellent ...
4
votes
2answers
80 views
When climbing should a carabiner ever be clipped to the tie-in loops, and should anything other than a carabiner ever attach to the belay loop?
I'm a beginning climber and am trying to resolve conflicting instruction related to tying into my harness.
During a recent outing a friend (an experienced climber, but not an instructor) was showing ...
4
votes
1answer
126 views
How do I recognise quicksand and how do I get out if stuck?
This year, a Danish citizen went missing without a trace in the mountains of northern Sweden. It is not the first time; in total, ten people are registered as missing after venturing into the ...
4
votes
1answer
63 views
What is the correct way to attach an autoblock to your harness for rappelling?
When rappelling and using an autoblock consisting of a french prusik knot it seems there may be some options on how and where to attach the autoblock to my harness.
Is there a correct placement on ...
3
votes
3answers
201 views
Are 35mm film canisters safe for holding spices?
Some of you may remember 35mm film** and the black cases it came in. I have a few lying around, and have seen people use them as backpacking salt and pepper shakers. I have also heard that's a good ...
3
votes
2answers
149 views
How do people safely trek in polar bear country?
For hiking in polar bear country, this answer cites a page that advices to avoid camping under the stars at all times. Yet people do go trekking on Svalbard, and I don't think the density of huts is ...
3
votes
1answer
70 views
How can I minimize the risk of tree wells when backcountry skiing?
When skiing in the backcountry (or even in the trees at resorts), what can be done to minimize the risk of getting trapped in a tree well?
3
votes
1answer
70 views
How to get started with packrafts?
I love hiking and I'm starting to love longer cycling trips too. I've done combined cycling/hiking trips (cycling to the trailhead of a hike). Last summer I met someone who carried an inflatable raft ...
3
votes
1answer
146 views
Backup prusik for Abseiling: Where does it go?
When abseiling from an anchor during rock climbing, I like to use a backup prusik as a potential lifesaver in case I screw up.
However, I have heard different advice on where to put it, both for ...
2
votes
0answers
54 views
What essentials should you bring with you on a day hike? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What are essential items in an emergency kit?
Another question asked about emergency supplies you'd bring on a multi-day hiking trip. But many people prefer going on ...
1
vote
1answer
37 views
Additional boating rules in addition to COLREGS?
I had a sailing test a few weeks ago and in it I was presented with the B flag and was asked what it means and what would be the applicable light at night.
I know the answer is "carrying dangerous ...
